U.S. Existing Home Sales rose by 0.4% (month-over-month) in January, 2013 to an annual rate of 4.92 million. First time buyers accounted for 30% of the sales, unchanged from December. From the houses sold, distressed properties accounted for 23% of the sales compared to 24% in December. Inventory declined by 4.9% to 1.74 million. The median price for all housing types was $173,600, a year-over-year rise of 12.3%. Year-over-year, existing home sales rose by 9.1%. Existing home sales in December were revised lower to an annual rate of 4.90 million.
